1. < Heart & Blood Health

Statin Intolerance: What did you do?

Posted by tim1028 @tim1028, Jun 4, 2019

I've developed statin intolerance over the 6 months I've been taking daily 40 mg atorvastatin. I'd like to hear from those of you who also have statin intolerance about what your next steps were. Did you lower the dose of the same statin? Switch to another statin? Stop statins altogether? Other approaches?

In my case, I developed muscle weakness, energy loss, shortness of breath and noticeable brain fog. I've stopped the statin until I am able to discuss the issue with my PCP. I started to feel better after the statin had washed out of my system. Risk factors that indicate that I should be on a statin are low HDL and a high coronary artery calcium score.

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sue225 | @sue225 | Feb 15, 2022
In reply to @irishpatti "I am also unable to take any statins due to severe adverse reactions. My cardiologist recommended..." + (show)
@irishpatti

I am also unable to take any statins due to severe adverse reactions. My cardiologist recommended Repatha but said special paperwork was needed because it was very expensive. I am 70 and on Medicare. How much does it cost per injection and what are the side effects? Never heard back from his office so apparently I wasn’t approved as he said they would call me and it’s been 8 months.

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I'm in Canada and over 65 so as a senior the cost is covered by our provincial government.

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1 reply
irishpatti | @irishpatti | Feb 15, 2022
In reply to @sue225 "I'm in Canada and over 65 so as a senior the cost is covered by our..." + (show)
@sue225

I'm in Canada and over 65 so as a senior the cost is covered by our provincial government.

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Thank you! Medicare insurance in the US has a big gap so very expensive. Have you had any side effects?

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2 replies
karen1945 | @karen1945 | Feb 15, 2022
In reply to @irishpatti "Thank you! Medicare insurance in the US has a big gap so very expensive. Have you..." + (show)
@irishpatti

Thank you! Medicare insurance in the US has a big gap so very expensive. Have you had any side effects?

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Check other pharmacies. Some offer statins for free.

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sue225 | @sue225 | Feb 15, 2022
In reply to @irishpatti "Thank you! Medicare insurance in the US has a big gap so very expensive. Have you..." + (show)
@irishpatti

Thank you! Medicare insurance in the US has a big gap so very expensive. Have you had any side effects?

Jump to this post

I haven't had any side effects. The Repatha lowered my cholesterol dramatically in a short time.
In Canada if you are not a senior, there is no free coverage for prescription drugs. So, unless you are covered by a health plan at work or you buy private insurance you pay out of pocket. And, the insurance may or may not offer coverage for all drugs. Prior to turning 65, my doctor had to submit paperwork to my husband's company's insurer saying that I could not take statins and other reasons in order to be covered.

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1 reply
irishpatti | @irishpatti | Feb 15, 2022
In reply to @sue225 "I haven't had any side effects. The Repatha lowered my cholesterol dramatically in a short time...." + (show)
@sue225

I haven't had any side effects. The Repatha lowered my cholesterol dramatically in a short time.
In Canada if you are not a senior, there is no free coverage for prescription drugs. So, unless you are covered by a health plan at work or you buy private insurance you pay out of pocket. And, the insurance may or may not offer coverage for all drugs. Prior to turning 65, my doctor had to submit paperwork to my husband's company's insurer saying that I could not take statins and other reasons in order to be covered.

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Thank you! Glad you had good results with no side effects. I will continue to work on trying to find a way to get better coverage here. Have a great day!

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1 reply
sue225 | @sue225 | Feb 15, 2022
In reply to @irishpatti "Thank you! Glad you had good results with no side effects. I will continue to work..." + (show)
@irishpatti

Thank you! Glad you had good results with no side effects. I will continue to work on trying to find a way to get better coverage here. Have a great day!

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One last word: there is another drug on the market for cholesterol called Inclisiran. It is injected 2 times a year instead of every 2 weeks for Repatha. My doctor is considering that for me next year. Could ask your doctor about this newer drug.
Good luck.

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irishpatti | @irishpatti | Feb 16, 2022

Thank you! I was not aware of this new drug. Will talk with my cardiologist about it. Looks like Novartis will try to get reimbursement here under part B Medicare which would make it more affordable.

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gema98 | @gema98 | Feb 16, 2022
In reply to @irishpatti "I am also unable to take any statins due to severe adverse reactions. My cardiologist recommended..." + (show)
@irishpatti

I am also unable to take any statins due to severe adverse reactions. My cardiologist recommended Repatha but said special paperwork was needed because it was very expensive. I am 70 and on Medicare. How much does it cost per injection and what are the side effects? Never heard back from his office so apparently I wasn’t approved as he said they would call me and it’s been 8 months.

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My Medicare Advantage plan would not pay for it, I am going to talk to my hepatologist about the cholesterol as I have PBC now cirrhosis when I see him I. April.

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1 reply
Mentor
Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Feb 16, 2022
In reply to @gema98 "My Medicare Advantage plan would not pay for it, I am going to talk to my..." + (show)
@gema98

My Medicare Advantage plan would not pay for it, I am going to talk to my hepatologist about the cholesterol as I have PBC now cirrhosis when I see him I. April.

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@gema98, High cholesterol is one of the symptoms with PBC / liver cirrhosis. Your hepatologist will be able to advise you. When my liver developed cirrhosis with my PSC, my cholesterol was high, too. That was 13 years ago, so please forgive me for not remembering if it was treated.

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1 reply
gema98 | @gema98 | Feb 16, 2022
In reply to @rosemarya "@gema98, High cholesterol is one of the symptoms with PBC / liver cirrhosis. Your hepatologist will..." + (show)
@rosemarya

@gema98, High cholesterol is one of the symptoms with PBC / liver cirrhosis. Your hepatologist will be able to advise you. When my liver developed cirrhosis with my PSC, my cholesterol was high, too. That was 13 years ago, so please forgive me for not remembering if it was treated.

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I had autoimmune, NAFLD, PBC then cirrhosis diagnosis after biopsy last April then put on Ursodiol. That pretty much sums it up for treatment.

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